My recommended way to understand the works of an author, is to start with his or her autobiographical stories. Although it is not enough to fully graps the meanings and symbols, sometimes it helps to understand certain references and mentions.
For a long time I wanted to explore more Carribean/Antilles-based authors, and the late Maryse Condé was on the top of the list. I collected some of her books from my French Institute library and only needed some further motivation to start. It comes this weekend, as I went in one sitting through her childhood memories: Le coeur à rire et à pleurer - A laughing and crying heart (I am fully responsible for the translation).
I had access to the original French-written book, which has many local créole insertions, some of them explained at the end of the book, which gives a note of authenticity to the book. The short stories unfold chronologically, from her first memories until the rebelious teenage years.
She was born in a middle class family, strict, admiring the French administration and France where they used to spend the holidays and send the children to learn in their teenage years. The memories shared in the book are aware of her special upbringing, but curious about going beyond the set social boundaries. She watches the world through her children eyes, non-judgemental, just taking note of the world. This authentic, unaltered voice makes the story relatable and the reader curious to keep exploring the writings of this author. Which I will do right away, in the next days.
Rating: 4 stars
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